Heavy monsoon rainfall continues in various parts of Pakistan. Media sources report that devastating rains in various cities of Pakistan and other parts of the country killed a number of people and caused river and urban flooding on Wednesday.

The latest figures shared by National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) indicate that approximately 145,000 acres of seasonal crop land has been affected. More than 1,790 houses have been partially damaged, while 2,309 houses are reported as fully damaged. The NDMA also report that more than 84,000 people in the country have been affected by the monsoon weather in the country.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued a red alert that widespread rain over the next three days is likely to affect most parts of the country. PMD also warns of high risk for flash flooding in the local streams – Barsati Nullahs of D.G.Khan in Punjab, Zhob, Sibi, Naseerabad, and Kalat divisions in Baluchistan.

The Flood Forecasting Division’s chief Riaz Khan told media sources that the situation is alarming and that the authorities concerned must remain on high alert to avert loss of life and property.

More specifically, the current situation is that the Chenab River at Khanki and Qadirabad, Punjab Province is also likely to be in ‘high’ to ‘very high flood.’ Exceptionally high flood is feared in river Jhelum at Mangla (upstream). Very high flood level is feared in the Indus at Chashma and high flood at Kalabagh and Taunsa. There is a forecast of high flood also in the Kabul River.

The tributaries of the river Chenab (Bhimber, Bhundar, Halsi, Daulti, Aik and Palku) – Azad Jammu and Kashmir and of the Ravi (Deg, Bhed, Hasri, Jhajri, Bassantar, Bein, Ujh, Tarnah) will remain in high to very high flood during next two days.

Pakistan has continued to face ongoing disasters which have severely affected livelihoods and the economy at large. The agriculture sector which remains a major source of income and livelihoods for a large part of the country’s population is badly affected. This is followed by the private sector and industries in economic sectors.

CWS-P/A Response:

CWS-P/A is closely monitoring the situation and the emergency response team is prepared is case further needs arise.

CWS-P/A is in the process of providing one-month food packages to 5,850 individuals (900 families) in Thatta, Sindh. The distribution to 395 families, which is possible with support from DanChurchAid, will be completed this week. Christian Aid and UMCOR are supporting one-month food packages to 360 and 145 families, respectively. These distributions will take place in the coming weeks.